In short: Well organised, great scenery, can't wait till next timeIn full: I enjoyed this more than I expected to. I did the half this year, but will return to do the full next. Stede Hill was a bit of pain, but otherwise the course was nicey undulating and not too hard - although bizarrely EVERYONE seemed to find the short flat stretch at about 10.3-10.8 miles particularly hard, but no-one could figure out why. Didn't seem like much of a camber, road surface maybe. The scenery was lovely and the route passed some fabulous houses. Race HQ was great and the hotel staff were welcoming and friendly. Date of review: November 13, 2011

In short: A good pre-marathon runIn full: A good run, very challenging for a first time marathon entrant with the steep Stede Hill at 3 miles in. The lack of runners made it very solitary at points, which meant presonal motivation had to drive you home. Some of the footpath on the side of the A20 very muddy, if the Local Authorities cleared this a bit, would be a fantastic run.Marshalls a bit absent in places, but the refreshments were great, water, bananas, jaffa cakes & hot-cross buns at the finish.Photographer seemed to miss a lot of runners on Stede Hill and then was absent at the finish line for the slower runners to attend the prizegiving.Date of review: April 8, 2010

In full: oh soo hard... evil hills, one depressing one at 3miles, but in hindsight its all worth it to make the london marathon seem do-able. More road signs needed please! Not nice to think you maybe heading off in the wrong direction ( as happened to me at about 17 miles). Often had to run on my own. Nice HQ in the hotel, nice to relax there before and after. Date of review: April 4, 2010

In short: The views at the top of the first hill were worth it, even if I couldn't run all the way up it.In full: A big improvement on the views from last year, only wished I was as fit as last year. Jaffa cakes and bananas at the water stations was a nice touch and a nice medal. Just why is it always windy running back along the A20. Hope there are more runners next year. Great marathon training run.Date of review: March 31, 2010

In short: Good marathon trainerIn full: Very well organised event, a few killer hills which were very early on and wasn't expecting them, beautiful scenery once you had climbed them though, worst bit was running into the wind along the A20. Good water and food stops, marshalling was very good also. The last mile was a little short though as i recorded 20.7 miles in total, medals were also good. Overall a good race though and was pleased with my timeDate of review: March 31, 2010

In short: Very good and well organised.In full: Two good hills.Much better than last year and well done on the organisation,and the marshalling was good too.A really good trainer for Marathons.Friendly atmosphere.Thanks for the food at the end and a good medal.Put the miles on the medal would be good.Talking about the miles I think it worked out at 20.5 miles,as last mile was very short.Definitely back next year.Date of review: March 29, 2010

In short: A few killer hills, tough workout.In full: Distance was ideal as preparation for the London Marathon, few big hills early on made for a challenging course. Having a hotel as the HQ at the start was a nice touch. A bit lonely at times on the route, and could have done with a few more marshalls as was not always 100% clear as to the direction.Date of review: March 29, 2010

In short: Hard work BUT worth it 4 London!In full: Nice organisation and fab run...hard but fun and good value...Methinks they should scrap the 13 mile though and just re-name it the "A2 Path & Downs 20+ Mile Pre-VLM run"Date of review: March 29, 2010

In short: Make sure you know the 13 route!In full: If the organisation is off, don't rely on what marshals there may be - I did, and after 13.2, jogged another 5.8. My legs are tender!Date of review: March 29, 2010

In short: hills hills and more hills, but a good hard work out. well marshalled with plenty of food/drinkIn full: hills hills and even bigger hills, a tough well marshalled race . Drinks and food on the 21m course were just in the right places and a decent friendly bunch of runners. only gripe I have is that so many events say safe baggage, but its not. As someone else said, if you finish the path n downs then a marathon should be easy. Date of review: March 29, 2010